Despite escalating tensions in the Middle East, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed that Muscat will host the sixth round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran this Sunday. The talks aim to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for easing some U.S. economic sanctions.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss Iran’s response to the latest American proposal. The negotiations come amid concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment, which Tehran insists is for peaceful purposes despite levels exceeding civilian needs.
Speaking at a gala in New York, Witkoff emphasized the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran, calling it an existential danger to Israel. He also highlighted Iran’s missile capabilities as equally threatening, urging the international community to remain united in preventing Iran from gaining nuclear weapons.
In contrast, Iran’s UN mission condemned “threats of overwhelming force” and denied seeking nuclear arms, accusing U.S. military actions of destabilizing the region. Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh expressed hope for productive talks but warned of strong retaliation if conflict arises, declaring that U.S. bases in the region are within Iran’s reach.
Security analyst Michael Knights suggested that the recent evacuation of some U.S. personnel is a message to Tehran, signaling that Washington may not intervene to stop a potential Israeli strike on Iran. This move aims to pressure Iran into respecting U.S. demands in the ongoing negotiations.
As talks proceed, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the nuclear standoff amid rising risks of conflict.
